Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With a range of options at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer at this magnificent venue.
THE VENUE
The venue hosts up to 160 guests, and couples can arrange to have both their ceremony and reception on site. With a state-of-the-art ballroom, incredible gardens and the exquisite beach backdrop, you’ll have everything you need and more for your dream day. Guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails in the modern and scenic courtyard whilst they await your arrival, before moving to the dining area with high ceilings and glass doors perfect for transforming the wedding reception area.
THE FOOD
Being part of the award-winning Manti Collection, the Royal St Andrews Hotel is renowned for its delicious cuisine, hospitality and a one-stop wedding weekend itinerary. The Thistle restaurant boasts a decadent menu and extensive wine list fit for catering to your big day.
THE ROOMS
The luxury rooms allow you to get settled in style before your wedding day, and also offer the perfect honeymoon escape. With ten elegant rooms in the Heritage section and another fifty stylish suites, there is more than enough space for your guests and bridal party.
THE FACILITIES
Be whisked away on a romantic Kowie River Cruise, or spend your time lounging at the on-site Camelot spa in the outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also offers croquet, golf and beach horse rides, all suited to a full wedding weekend for you and your guests.
For more information, visit www.royalstandrews.co.za.
As night falls, the forest becomes a scene of drama and mystery, complemented by plush fabrics and rustic details. Scroll through our magical lookbook for all your forest-themed…
Sun? Check! Sand? Check! Sexy selfies? Check! When it comes to a beach holiday, Durban ticks all the boxes – year-round! And the stunning four-star Belaire Suites Hotel is situated conveniently along the golden coastline, offering views and entertainment no one can resist!
THE VENUE
Gracing Durban’s incredible coastline, Belaire Suites Hotel takes beachfront luxury to a whole new level with sea-facing rooms and a glamorously decorated interior suitable for couples seeking an escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the beachfront. Take in the glorious promenade view and breathtaking sunsets right from your bedroom window in this romantic atmosphere.
THE ROOMS
The hotel is comprised of 124 apartments, each containing a kitchenette with a microwave, kettle and fridge to suit everyone’s needs. You’ll be able to take in the stunning views of Durban’s coast while experiencing the luxury of Belaire’s modern set-up, with clean decor and a marble bathroom design. Guests can choose from studio, family, grand family and studio suite apartments or interleading rooms.
ALSO READ: 30 Things To Do In Durban
THE FOOD
The popular Café Jiran is known for its out-of-this-world coffee and is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast after a leisurely stroll along the beach or promenade. When it comes to late night dining, the cafe transforms into a glamorous scene offering a delicious fine dining menu for guests to indulge.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Apart from spending time on Durban’s beautiful and warm beaches, the hotel is close to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino and uShaka Marine World. They also offer an array of activities that can be arranged for an exciting and fun stay. Think nature reserve tours, shark cage diving, spa retreats and more.
For more information, visit belairesuites.co.za.
Images: Belaire Suites Hotel/Facebook
Take in the romance of dramatic trains, long floaty dresses, full skirts and soft veils billowing in the wind with our gorgeous lookbook. Top, Zara; dress, Tsotetsi KL;…
Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Ané Bartleman and Marius Eksteen celebrated their special day on a sprawling estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
THE VENUE
We scoured the internet for a venue, which is where I stumbled across Bona Dea Private Estate. I lined up three venues for us to view around Cape Town in one day, but Bona Dea was our first and last stop. It is truly the most spectacular venue along the Whale Coast. With astonishing views, a lavish ballroom (as well as perfectly groomed gardens), we knew our guests would be entertained at all times.
THE THEME
We really wanted an elegant, exciting, fun and comfortable wedding. We all had a blast over a long weekend with wine tasting, great food and even some whale-watching! Our wedding day was even better than we imagined it would be.
THE DRESS
My dress was made by Casper Bosman of Casper Designer Wear in our hometown of Bloemfontein. I wanted something very simple, fitted and sophisticated. There were times I thought I should add something here or there, but your first instinct is always the best choice.
THE DECOR
We wanted decor that wouldn’t date, so went for a clean look and feel with shades of grey, silver and white. Bona Dea has a wide variety of decor options available for a perfectly tailored wedding. We loved everything from the tree branches and fairy lights dangling from the ceiling to the delicate flowers and gorgeous cake stand.
THE FOOD
For our entrée, we had a creamy wild mushroom and biltong soup. The main course was beef fillet on a bed of vegetables with pumpkin fritters – absolutely delicious! Our wedding cake was just perfect. I found a picture on Pinterest and we were so lucky to have Charlotte from Krummels Sugar Art make a red velvet cake, with cute cake toppers that looked like Marius and me.
THE FIRST DANCE
I’m a dance teacher, so this was crucial. Afrikaans music is great to dance to, so we opted for Juan Boucher’s ‘Gebore Om By Jou Te Wees’.
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Co-ordination, decor & venue: Bona Dea Private
Photography: Johan Koegelenberg Photography
Flowers: The Flower Scene
Cake: Krummels Sugar Art
Catering: Two Chefs
Audio-visuals & DJ: Event Music Solutions
Your wedding planning timeline is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay sane and make sure everything – from the big stuff to the tiniest detail…
Whether you’re opting for a low-key affair or a lavish celebration, a wedding is going to be costly – but who pays for the wedding?
WHAT TRADITION SAYS
1. The venue
When it comes to the venue – both the ceremony and the reception – the bride’s family is responsible for the cost. And this doesn’t just mean the venue hire. Budget for all decorations, food, musical accompaniments at the ceremony and the officiant’s fee.
2. The reception
If you’re the bride, your parents are probably breaking out in a sweat just thinking about the bill that’s coming their way. But the financial responsibility doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders. The groom’s side normally pays for the DJ and the booze – two important and often pricey aspects of any wedding.
3. The attire
Perhaps the most important detail for any bride, the dress also doesn’t come cheap. Butter up Mom and Dad, because they’ll be paying (you hope). But what about dresses for your bridesmaids? Buying their attire is not expected, but it’s a nice gesture. The groom covers the cost of his suit and can choose whether to pay for his groomsmen’s get-up or not. If you’re asking them to buy their own, make sure it’s not expensive!
4. The small details
It may seem as though most of the big expenses are for the bride’s parents to cover. However, there are a few smaller but no less important details for the groom’s account too. The most obvious are the bridal bouquets, corsages for the mother-of-the-bride and boutonnières for the groomsmen.
5. The rings
It only makes sense that the groom pays for his bride’s wedding band and she does the same for him. If you’re on a tight budget, look at more affordable metals or simply forgo wedding bands altogether.
6. The honeymoon
It’s something newlyweds really look forward to, whether it’s an island getaway or a local adventure – and it’s for the groom to plan and pay for! Some couples ask guests to make a contribution to a honeymoon fund rather than buy gifts.
WHAT WE SAY
If you choose to buck tradition, split the budget according to who can afford what. Here are some ideas:
1. Chip in as a couple
If you have money saved, what better way to spend it than on your wedding? Most of the guests attending will be your friends, so consider covering the music and bar tab, which you know they’ll get the most enjoyment from.
2. Draw up a budget
Sit down with all parties involved to discuss splitting the costs equally – it may just be a win-win for everyone.
3. Pay for your own wedding dress
Especially if your parents are paying for most of the wedding. You can find ways to cut costs in this department, from buying off the rack or on sale to asking friends or family who are talented seamstresses to help design your gown.
4. Ask the groom’s family to cover the venue hire
With the cost of decorations, food and staff, the reception can be a financial sting for the bride’s parents.